Inside Mass Effect: Evolution

One of the most critically acclaimed science-fiction series of all time, Mass Effect encompasses not only video games, but novels and comics as well. Fans could spend countless hours pouring over every detail of Bioware's massively immersive world and still only know a fraction of the whole story. Thankfully, Dark Horse editor Dave Marshall is here to shed a little light on the next chapter of this sprawling sci-fi epic, Mass Effect: Evolution.

Sometimes I ask myself, “Dave, why, after starring in legendary films such as Apocalypse Now and TV shows such as The West Wing, would Martin Sheen choose to play a role in a video game?”

To which I reply, “It’s elementary, you blubbering fool! Since an actor of his stature has no reason to work on anything he doesn’t believe in, the role and the game must freakin’ rock to the maximum!”

And, indeed, that is the universal truth, Sheen’s character—the Illusive Man—and the game he first appears in, Mass Effect 2, have been independently confirmed by critics and gamers alike to be officially flippin’ sweet to the highest degree (See: MetaCritic.com rating of 96).

This may also explain why Mac Walters, the Lead Writer of Mass Effect 2 and the upcoming Mass Effect 3, decided to tell the secret origin of the Illusive Man in Mass Effect: Evolution, our newest comics series, on sale this Wednesday!

Mass Effect 2 is only the second part in BioWare’s epic sci-fi trilogy. There is much speculation about the Illusive Man’s significance in the final chapter of Commander Shepard’s battle to save all organic life. For a glimpse behind one of the most powerful figures in our galaxy, for an understanding of what role the Illusive Man will play in the events of Mass Effect 3, the Mass Effect: Evolution series is an unmissable piece of canon, crafted by the creators of Mass Effect. Over at the BioWare Blog, you can listen to Walters discuss his creative process on the Mass Effect comics, and get insight into the inner workings of this sci-fi phenomenon, with their latest podcast.

And, if by chance you are not already a Mass Effect devotee, don’t worry, because Mass Effect: Evolution is the best possible place to start. Scripted by John Jackson Miller (Star Wars: Knight Errant) and drawn by Omar Francia (Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2), this series takes place during humanity’s first forays into the Milky Way. Be introduced to the Mass Effect galaxy alongside the first men and women of Earth to contact—and find themselves at war with—other sentient beings from beyond the stars. This is space adventure at its finest, told by a creative team at the height of their talents. You’ve never seen a sci-fi comic this badass.

While nothing can compare to the anticipation of seeing Sheen return to his role as the Illusive Man in Mass Effect 3, with Mass Effect: Evolution we have a chance to experience a whole new corner of the galaxy, one that is as just as important, and just as awe-inspiring as any we’ve seen before. This is unfiltered Mass Effect, distilled from pure awesomeness and, trust me, you don’t want to be left without when it arrives.

--Dave Marshall
Dark Horse Editor